SUDEP and Epilepsy Information

SUDEP occurs in individuals with mild as well as severe epilepsy, but risks are negligible for those whose epilepsy is well controlled. Evidence suggests that patients in remission are not at significant risk.

In the general population of people with epilepsy the risk of SUDEP is of the order of 1:1000 per year. A 1:1,000 risk is similar to the risk of smoking 10 cigarettes a day. For individuals with severe epilepsy the risk increases to 1:200-300 per year. Those patients referred for assessment for surgery but deemed unsuitable have an even greater risk.

Risk Factors of SUDEP include:

Young adults
Generalised tonic-clonic seizures
Poor seizure control
Seizures during sleep
Unwitnessed seizures (living alone)
Abrupt and frequent changes in medication
Failing to take prescribed medication
Excess of alcohol
People with epilepsy whose seizures are not recorded in medical notes

Evidence suggests that most sudden deaths are related to unwitnessed seizures and many occur during sleep. Risks can be reduced by measures taken to prevent seizures and advice on safety during and after a seizure.